NAples Chamber Blog

NAPLES, FL (April 12, 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected the American Red Cross, Florida's Southern Gulf Chapter as the Business of the Month for April 2018.

Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Susan Kuhar, Account Executive, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce presented Jill Palmer, executive director and Steve Adamczyk, board chair with a commemorative plaque at the April 10, 2018 County Commission meeting.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, is always there in times of need. They aspire to turn compassion into action so that all people affected by disaster receive care, shelter, and hope. In South Florida, the Red Cross responds to some disaster every 20 hours - no matter the time of day or night - utilizing a workforce comprised of 92% trained volunteers.

In 2017, the Red Cross responded to six major disasters within 45 days – providing more shelter stays than in the past four-years combined. When Hurricane Irma made landfall in Collier County, the Red Cross was prepared and provided shelter, food, and comfort to our community. Over the course of seven-weeks, the local chapter provided more than 37,000 shelter stays; served more than 407,000 meals and snacks; distributed nearly 250,000 relief items; made more than 16,000 health and mental health contacts; opened 1,300 cases to help families recover; and provided direct financial assistance to more than 4,600 residents.